Wild Boys and Wild Ways: Jill Dawson at Humber Mouth By Maggie Hannan

8th November 11am - 4pm Call box office for costs EICH Gallery, University of Lincoln Hull Campus, George Street, Hull Box Office 01482 223344

The MMR vaccination controversy ensures that few people are unfamiliar with the plight of those affected by autism and their search for answers. Jill Dawson, who visits the Humber Mouth this Saturday, knows better than most about the challenges involved. As the mother of a son diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, she was inspired to write her latest novel Wild Boy after reading an account of a 'feral child' in Uta Frith's Autism: Explaining the Enigma.

Jill was struck by Frith's description of the 19th century child as the first documented case of autism. Drawn into the story and the questions it raises about the nature of autism through her own experiences as a mother, and particularly the 'nature vs nurture' debate, her novel Wild Boy was published earlier this year and has been highly praised as 'an accomplished novel, rich with ideas and vivid characters, which is, above all, a lucid and moving exploration of autism' (Michael Newton, The Observer). Jill's book explores both the emotional and scientific perspectives and is enriched by her personal experience.

Jill is appearing at the Writers Day at Humber Mouth, with Russell T. Davies, Lee Karen Stow and James Nash. This day-long event (11am to 4pm) offers the chance to meet the writers and discuss the issues they raise through a series of talks, workshops and readings. Informal and open to anyone interested in writing, writers, the issues they raise, and how they work. Tickets cost £5 for the day, or £3/2 for Single Events.

Jill Dawson is the author of four novels: Wild Boy which was published this September; Fred & Edie, about Ruth Ellis, was shortlisted for the Whitbread Novel of the year 2000 and a finalist in the Orange Prize. She is also an award winning poet and the editor of several anthologies including The Viarago Book of Wicked Verse and Wild Ways. She has taught creative writing for many years and is currently Creative Writing Fellow at the University of East Anglia. She lives in the Fens with her partner and two sons.

Continued on www.thisisull.com...... The Humber Mouth Homepage.

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